Variable spray rate aerosol

ABSTRACT

A variable spray aerosol system for use with an aerosol container comprising a button actuator including at least one terminal orifice recess formed in the side wall thereof, a valve stem recess formed in the base thereof and at least one feed supply channel extending therebetween and a valve stem including at least two feed supply passages disposed to selectively communicate with the interior of the aerosol container and the feed supply channel to provide a variable spray aerosol system.

llnited States Patent 1191 Bucaro 1 Mar. 11, 1975 VARIABLE SPRAY RATE AEROSOL [75] Inventor:

[731 Assignee: Sequist Valve Company, Cary, Ill. 22 Filed: Nov. 23, 1973 211 Appl. No.: 418,781

Russell J. Bucaro, Schaumburg, 111.

[52] US. Cl. ZZZ/402.17 [51] Int. Cl. 865d 83/14 [58] Field of Search 222/402.l7; 239/394, 397,

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 3,206,082 9/1965 Green 222/402.l7

3,471,092 10/1969 Hickey ..239/337X Primary Eramimr-Stzm16y H. Tollberg Assistant E.\'aminer-John P. Shannon Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Stein and Orman [57] 1 ABSTRACT A variable spray aerosol system for use with an aerosol container comprising a button actuator including at least one terminal orifice recess formed in the side wall thereof, a valve stem recess formed in the base thereof and at least one feed supply channel extending therebetween and a valve stem including at least two feed supply passages disposed to selectively communicate with the interior of the aerosol container and the feed supply channel to provide a variable spray aerosol system.

9 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEUHARI H915 6-2 870 205- SHEEIIHFZ PATENIED MRI 1 19. 5

SHEET 2 UP 2 FIGS VARIABLE SPRAY RATE AEROSOL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention A variable spray aerosol system comprising a button actuator and valve stem cooperatively configured to selectively dispense product with variable spray characteristics.

2. Description of the Prior Art With the increased sophistication of the aerosol dis pensing industry and the introduction of new products, a wide variety of aerosol dispensing devices have been developed. Most recently a number of devices have been developed which feature variable spray rates or spray patterns from a single aerosol dispenser.

Commonly, such devices are used with hair lacquer, cosmetics, paint or the like. Spray rates and spray patterns may change during application such as during the process of adjusting coiffure where the user of sprayed hair lacquer may wish to dispense very small quantities for interim settings and when the hair is completely arranged, the user will wish to cover the entire coiffure with a heavy spray. Similar situations in applying paint, enamel, varnish or the like often arise.

As shown in US. Pat. No. 3,206,082, a number of aerosol devices comprise vertically aligned button actuator and valve stem combinations wherein at least one includes a plurality of apertures formed therein to register with at least one aperture formed on the counterpart element to provide a variable spray rate or pattern. These generally require twisting of the button actuator relative to the valve stem to achieve registry in different positions which is undesirable because there is no means provided to indicate the particular spray rate selected.

US. Pat. Nos. 3,045,877 and 3,231,153 show another such device which includes depressing the button actuator and valve stem to varying depths to change the effective size of the feed orifice in direct proportion to the vertical displacement of the button actuator and valve stem. In each of these two types of structures the operator is given no positive indication or control over the spray characteristics.

Another type of device comprises variable flow restrictors which maintain a substantially constant rate of flow or delivery of fluid over the wide range of pressures as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,878,836. Although various flow restrictors have been devised, these have been only partially satisfactory. Unfortunately, many such flow restrictors do not insure a satisfactory rate of flow at the lower pressures.

Thus, a need for a reliable variable spray aerosol system for use with an aerosol container exists.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a variable spray aerosol system for use with an aerosol container. More specifically, the variable spray aerosol system of the present invention includes a button actuator having at least one feed supply channel in communication with at least one terminal orifice recess formed in the side wall thereof and a valve stem operatively coupled to the button actuator by a valve stem recess formed in the base of the button actuator. The valve stem includes at least two feed supply passages and an inlet feed passage disposed to selectively communicate with the interior of the aerosol container and the feed supply channel.

, at least two feed supply passages disposed to selectively In an alternate embodiment, the valve stem includes communicate with the interior of the aerosol container as in the first embodiment. In addition, the button actuator includes a first and second terminal orifice recess and a first and second feed supply channel. The first and second feed supply channels are disposed to communicate with the first and second terminal orifice recesses respectively. The first and second feed supply passages being disposed relative to the first and second feed supply channels respectively such that the first and second terminal orifice recesses may selectively communicate with the interior of the aerosol container through first feed supply passage and first feed supply channel and second feed supply passage and second feed supply channel-respectively.

In still another alternate embodiment, the button actuator includes a first and second feed supply channel disposed to communicate with a terminal orifice recess formed in the side wall thereof. The valve stem includes at least two feed supply passages disposed to selectively communicate with the interior of the aerosol container as in each of the two previously described embodiments. The first feed supply passage communicates with the first feed supply channel and the second feed supply passage communicates with the second feed supply channel when the button actuator is in the first position and the second feed supply passage is isolated from the second feed supply channel and the first feed supply passage is communicated with the first feed supply channel when the button actuator is in the second position.

In this first embodiment, the button body is rotatable relative to the valve stem between a first and second position. When in the first position, feed supply channel is aligned with the first feed supply passage such that as the button is depressed, pressurized product passes upwardly through the inlet feed passage and the first feed supply passage to the feed supply channel where it is forced forwardly through the terminal orifice recess. Upon rotation on the button body to the second position, the feed supply channel communicates directly with the second feed supply passage such that as the button is depressed, the pressurized product passes upwardly through the inlet feed passage and second feed supply passage to the feed supply channel where it is forced forwardly through the terminal orifice discharge. Since the first and second feed supply passages have different cross-sectional areas, a variable spray rate is provided.

With reference to the first alternate embodiment, the button body is rotatable relative to the valve stem between the first and second position. When in the first position, the button body is depressed forcing product upwardly through inlet feed passage through the first feed supply passage to the feed supply channel where it is forced forwardly through the first terminal orifice recess. When in the second position, the button body is depressed forcing product upwardly through the inlet passage through the second feed supply passage into the second feed supply channel where it is forced forwardly through the second terminal orifice recess. Thus, by rotation of the button body relative to the valve stem, a variable spray rate and spray pattern is provided.

With reference to the second alternate embodiment, the button body is similarly rotatable between the first and second position relative to the valve stem. When in the first position, the feed supply channel is aligned with the first feed supply passage and the second supply feed channel is aligned with the second feed supply passage. Upon actuation, vapor passes through a first feed port, the first feed supply passage and the first feed supply channel to the terminal orifice recess. Simultaneously, product passes through a second feed port and the second feed supply passage through the second feed supply channel and then to the terminal orifice recess where it is combined with the vapor to exit from terminal orifice to the second position. When in this position, the second feed supply passage is aligned with the second feed supply channel while the first feed supply passage is isolated from the first feed supply channel. Upon actuation, product is fed through the second feed port, second feed supply passage and second feed supply channel and exist through terminal orifice recess. Thus, by this combination of structural elements, an alternate spaced spray or residual spray is provided.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of the variable spray aerosol system.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional top view of the variable spray aerosol system taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the button actuator.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of a variable spray aerosol system.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional top view of an alternate embodiment of a variable spray aerosol system taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of thealternate embodiment of the button actuator of FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of still another alternate embodiment of the variable spray aerosol system.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional top view-of the alternate embodiment of the variable spray aerosol system taken along line 88 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a botton view of the alternate embodiment of the button actuator of FIGS. 7 and 8.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As shown in FIG. 1, the variable spray aerosol system generally indicated at 10, comprises a button actuator including button body 12 having centrally disposed valve stem recess 14 formed in the lower portion thereof to receive the upper portion of valve stem 16 of aerosol valve 18 (shown only in outer form). Immediately above valve stem recess 14 is feed supply channel 20. Annular support surface 22 is formed by the inner end of valve stem recess 14 to engage the upper end of valve stem 16 to cooperatively form a seal therebetween. Anchoring groove 24 may be formed about thereto.

Terminal orifice recess 28, formed in side wall 30 of button body 12, extends inwardly to feed supply channel 20. Affixed to button body 12 adjacent feed supply channel 20 in the rear portion of recess 28 is cylindrical terminal orifice feed post 32 including volume saver plug 34 formed on the face thereof. Feed post 32 and the inner portion of recess 28 cooperatively form discharge feed passage 36 which extends forwardly. Although not shown, the variable spray aerosol system 10 is used in combination with a terminal orifice insert of varying structural configuration. Key means 40 extends downwardly from annular support surface 22. As described more fully hereinafter, key means 40 in combination with a key way formed in valve stem 16 forms a limit means.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 through 3, valve stem 16 comprises elongated body 42 having centrally disposed inlet feed passage 44 extending therethrough. The upper end of valve stem 16 includes keyway 46 forming stops 48 and 50. Also formed in the upper end of valve stem 16 are first and second feed supply passages 52 and 54. Feed passages 52 and 54 are disposed to alternately communicate with feed supply channel 20 while stops 48 and 50 are disposed to alternately engage key 40 to limit the rotational movement of button body 12 relative to valve stem 16.

FIGS. 4 through 6 show an alternate embodiment of the present invention where similar parts are similarly numbered. In addition to the basic elements disclosed in FIGS. 1 through 3, the alternate embodiment of FIGS. 4 through 6 includes second feed supply channel 56 disposed in spaced parallel relationship relative to feed supply channel 20. A second terminal orifice recess 58 is formed in side wall 30 below terminal orifice recess 28 and extends rearwardly to second feed supply channel 56. Feed supply passages 52 and 54 are dis posed to alternately align or register with first and second feed supply channels 20 and 56 respectively while stops 48 and 50 are disposed to alternately engage key 40 to limit the rotational movement of button body 12 relative to valve stem 16.

FIGS. 7 through 9 show a second alternate embodiment of the present invention where similar parts are similarly numbered. In this alternate embodiment, first and second feed supply passages 59 and 60 respectively communicate with the interior of the container through first and second feed ports 62 and 64 respectively. Second feed supply channel 66 extends from recess 14 to discharge feed passage 36 in spaced parallel relationship relative to first feed supply channel 20. Feed supply passages 59 and 60 are disposed to register or align with feed supply channels 20 and 66 as more fully described hereinafter to alternately provide a space spray or residual spray.

With reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 when in use button body 12 is rotated relative to valve stem 16 such that key 40 engages either stop 48 or 50. When key 40 engages stop 48 (first position) feed supply channel 20 is aligned with first feed supply passage 52 such that as button 10 is depressed, pressurized product passes upwardly through inlet feed passage 44 and first feed supply passage 52 to feed supply channel 20 where it is forced forwardly through discharge feed passage 36 and exits from the discharge feed passage 36. Upon rotation on button body l2such that key 40 engages stop 50 (second position) feed supply channel 20 communicates directly with second feed supply passage 54 such that as button is depressed, the pressurized product passes upwardly through feed passage 44 and second feed supply passage 54 to feed supply channel where it is forced forwardly through discharge feed passage 36 and exits from terminal discharge chamber 38. Since first and second feed supply passages 52 and 54 respectively have different crosssectional areas, a variable spray rate is provided.

With reference to the alternate embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, button body 12 is rotatable relative to valve stem 16 such that key 40 moves between stops 48 and 50. With key 40 engaging stop 50, button body 12 is depressed forcing product upwardly through inlet feed passage 44 through first feed supply passage 52 to feed supply channel 20 where it is forced forwardly through discharge feed passage 36 and exits from discharge feed passage 36. Alternately, with key 40 engaging stop 48, button body 12 is depressed forcing product upwardly through feed passage 44 through second feed supply passage 54 into second feed supply channel 56 where it is forced forwardly through and exits from second terminal orifice recess 58. Thus, by rotation of button body 12 relative to valve stem 16 a variable spray rate and spray pattern is provided.

With reference to the alternate embodiment of FIGS. 7-9, button body 12 is rotatable between the first and second position relative to valve stem 16 where the key 40 alternately engages stops 48 and 50. With key 40 engagingv stop 50, feed supply channel 20 is aligned with first feed supply passage 58. and second supply feed channel 66 is aligned with second feed supply passage 60. Upon actuation, vapor passes through first feed port 62, first feed supply passage 59 and first feed supply channel 20 through discharge feed passage 36. Simultaneously, product passes through second feed port .64 and second feed supply passage 60 through second feed supply channel 66 and then to discharge feed passage 36 where it is combined with the vapor to exit from terminal discharge chamber 38 as a spaced spray. By varying the effect, cross-sectional areas of passages 59 and 60 relative to channel 20. and 66 respectively, the ratio of vapor to product may be varied. Alternately, button body 12 is rotated such that key 40 engages stop 48. When in this position, second feed supply passage 60 is aligned with second feed supply channel 66 while first feed supply passage 59 is isolated from first feed supply channel 20. Upon actuation, product is fed through second feed port 64 and second feed supply passage 60 and second feed supply channel 66 to discharge feed passage 36 from which it exits. Thus, by this combination of structural elements and alternate spaced spray or residual spray is provided.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

lt'is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all the generic and specific features herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Now that the invention has been described,

What is claimed is:

l. A variable spray aerosol system for use with an aerosol dispenser, said variable spray aerosol system comprising: a button and valve stem combination, said button comprising a button body including at least one terminal orifice recess formed in the side wall thereof, a valve stem recess formed in the bottom thereof and feed supply channel means extending between said ter-' minal orifice recess and said valve stem recess, said button body further including a key means formed thereon, said valve stem including keyway means disposed in operative engagement with said key means and further including feed passage means extending longitudinally along the interior of at least a portion of said valve stem, said valve stem further including at least a first and second feed supply passage, said feed passage means disposed in fluid communication between said dispenser interior and said one terminal orifice insert via said first and second supply passage and said feed supply channel means, said button body movable between at least a first and second position relative to said valve stem, said first and second feed supply passage disposed to alternately communicate with said feed supply channel means, said first feed supply passage communicating with said feed supply channel means when said button body is in said first position and said second feed supply passage communicating with said feed supply channel means when said button body is in said second position.

2. The variable spray aerosol system of claim 1 wherein a post is disposed in said terminal orifice recess, said terminal orifice recess and said post cooperatively forming a discharge feed passage therebetween.

3. The variable spray aerosol system of claim 1 wherein said key means comprises a key extending downwardly from said valve stem recess and said keyway comprises a recess formed in the upper portion of said valve stem. 4. A variable spray aerosol system as in claim 1 wherein said feed passage means comprises a plurality of individual feed passages, each disposed in fluid communicating relation with said one terminal orifice recess.

5. A variable spray aerosol system as in claim 4 wherein said feed supply channel means comprises a plurality of feed channels, each of said feed channels disposed in fluid communication with at least separate ones of said individual feed passages.

6. A variable spray aerosol system as in claim 1 wherein said feed passage means comprises a single feed passage; said feed supply channel means com-,

prises a plurality of feed supply channels, each of said feed supply channels movably disposed relative to said single feed passage for fluid communication therewith.

7. A variable spray aerosol system as in claim 6 wherein said button body comprises at least a second terminal orifice, each of said first and secondterminal orifices disposed in fluid communication with one of said feed supply channels.

8. A variable spray aerosol system as in claim I wherein said button body includes a second terminal orifice recess and said supply channel means includes at least a first and a second feed supply channel, said second feed supply channel disposed to selectively communicate with said second feed supply passage and said first supply channel is disposed to selectively communicate with said first supply passage, said first terminal orifice recess communicating with the interior of the aerosol dispenser when said button body is in said first position through said first feed supply channel and said first feed supply passage, said second terminal orifice recess communicating with the interior of the aerosol dispenser when said button body is in said second position through said second feed supply channel and said second feed supply passage.

9. A variable spray aerosol as in claim 1 wherein said feed supply channel means comprises a first and second feed supply channel, said second feed supply channel communicating with said valve stem recess and said one terminal orifice recess, said valve stem includes a feed passage'means including a first and a second feed passage, said first feed-supply channel being disposed 

1. A variable spray aerosol system for use with an aerosol dispenser, said variable spray aerosol system comprising: a button and valve stem combination, said button comprising a button body including at least one terminal orifice recess formed in the side wall thereof, a valve stem recess formed in the bottom thereof and feed supply channel means extending between said terminal orifice recess and said valve stem recess, said button body further including a key means formed thereon, said valve stem including keyway means disposed in operative engagement with said key means and further including feed passage means extending longitudinally along the interior of at least a portion of said valve stem, said valve stem further including at least a first and second feed supply passage, said feed passage means disposed in fluid communication between said dispenser interior and said one terminal orifice insert via said first and second supply passage and said feed supply channel means, said button body movable between at least a first and second position relative to said valve stem, said first and second feed supply passage disposed to alternately communicate with said feed supply channel means, said first feed supply passage communicating with said feed supply channel means when said button body is in said first position and said second feed supply passage communicating with said feed supply channel means when said button body is in said second position.
 1. A variable spray aerosol system for use with an aerosol dispenser, said variable spray aerosol system comprising: a button and valve stem combination, said button comprising a button body including at least one terminal orifice recess formed in the side wall thereof, a valve stem recess formed in the bottom thereof and feed supply channel means extending between said terminal orifice recess and said valve stem recess, said button body further including a key means formed thereon, said valve stem including keyway means disposed in operative engagement with said key means and further including feed passage means extending longitudinally along the interior of at least a portion of said valve stem, said valve stem further including at least a first and second feed supply passage, said feed passage means disposed in fluid communication between said dispenser interior and said one terminal orifice insert via said first and second supply passage and said feed supply channel means, said button body movable between at least a first and second position relative to said valve stem, said first and second feed supply passage disposed to alternately communicate with said feed supply channel means, said first feed supply passage communicating with said feed supply channel means when said button body is in said first position and said second feed supply passage communicating with said feed supply channel means when said button body is in said second position.
 2. The variable spray aerosol system of claim 1 wherein a post is disposed in said terminal orifice recess, said terminal orifice recess and said post cooperatively forming a discharge feed passage therebetween.
 3. The variable spray aerosol system of claim 1 wherein said key means comprises a key extending downwardly from said valve stem recess and said keywAy comprises a recess formed in the upper portion of said valve stem.
 4. A variable spray aerosol system as in claim 1 wherein said feed passage means comprises a plurality of individual feed passages, each disposed in fluid communicating relation with said one terminal orifice recess.
 5. A variable spray aerosol system as in claim 4 wherein said feed supply channel means comprises a plurality of feed channels, each of said feed channels disposed in fluid communication with at least separate ones of said individual feed passages.
 6. A variable spray aerosol system as in claim 1 wherein said feed passage means comprises a single feed passage; said feed supply channel means comprises a plurality of feed supply channels, each of said feed supply channels movably disposed relative to said single feed passage for fluid communication therewith.
 7. A variable spray aerosol system as in claim 6 wherein said button body comprises at least a second terminal orifice, each of said first and second terminal orifices disposed in fluid communication with one of said feed supply channels.
 8. A variable spray aerosol system as in claim 1 wherein said button body includes a second terminal orifice recess and said supply channel means includes at least a first and a second feed supply channel, said second feed supply channel disposed to selectively communicate with said second feed supply passage and said first supply channel is disposed to selectively communicate with said first supply passage, said first terminal orifice recess communicating with the interior of the aerosol dispenser when said button body is in said first position through said first feed supply channel and said first feed supply passage, said second terminal orifice recess communicating with the interior of the aerosol dispenser when said button body is in said second position through said second feed supply channel and said second feed supply passage. 